"If we were to translate vallenato to English, it would roughly mean, “born in the valley,” which refers to vallenato’s roots coming from the Caribbean region of Colombia."
Category: 2025
Bandeja Paisa – Colombia’s Flavor on a Platter (Cuisine Spotlight)
"Flavorful, unique, and made up of different food groups, ‘Bandeja Paisa’ is a conglomeration of the best of Colombian cuisine, and specifically of the Antioquia region."
From the Caribbean to the World – The Journey of Salsa (Cultural Spotlight)
"If you’re walking in any city in Colombia or in most parts of Latin America and you start to feel the rhythm and the beat to some up-tempo music that sounds as if jazz and ‘son cubano’ had a baby, it would be known to the world as ‘Salsa.’"
Where Spring Never Ends – Exploring Medellin, Colombia
"Medellin, a bustling metropolis of over three million people, has a popular and well-known nickname, “The City of Eternal Spring.” I can say for certain that this particular nickname is well warranted and appropriate given the moderate temperatures and humidity that make up the day and night here."
Bachata Breakdown – History, Rhythm, and Soul (Cultural Spotlight)
"The most important thing to be aware of when dancing Bachata is to watch your steps and make sure you’re moving seamlessly with your lady or gentleman partner in tow."
Walking in the Wright Brothers’ Footsteps in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
"Any traveler including myself would not be able to do what we love and explore our own countries and the wider world without those people. Thus, it was special for me to visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in the Outer Banks region recently."
Five Steps to Making Language Gains Quickly (Traveler Edition)
"Consistency beats intensity every time. Studying for five hours one day and nothing for a week won’t get you far. Instead, aim for 30–60 minutes daily. Travelers can make this even more fun on the road: listen to a podcast on the train, label your hostel or Airbnb objects in your target language, or practice phrases while ordering street food. Small, daily interactions add up quickly."
Minca, Colombia: Mountain Magic and Lush Jungle Waterfalls
"What struck me right away was how quickly the scenery changed, going from the hot, dry Caribbean coast into the cooler, greener mountains of the Magdalena region felt almost like crossing into a completely different country."
Incredible Iceland: How The Land of Fire and Ice Inspired Me Forever (Travel Video)
"Come along with me, Ben from World of Weinberg, as I take you on a breathtaking 10-minute journey through Iceland, a country that stole my heart forever. From seeing the legendary Icelandic horses up close to a mesmerizing concert at the Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavík, this adventure is filled with moments that capture the true magic of the Land of Fire and Ice."
Richmond, Virginia Weekend Trip: Exploring American History, Culture, and Food
"Walking and exploring around Richmond taught me a lesson I’m stubbornly still learning as a traveler: you don’t need to cross oceans or borders to find fulfillment or enjoyment. Sometimes, you just need to cross a river or bridge, buy a train ticket, and pay attention to your new surroundings closely."